Style Inspo Alert: How Sasha Obama Slays The Earthy Black Girl Aesthetic
The fashion world can be a quick turn with an endless carousel of “trends,” often leaving many to feel more branded than personal when discussing their style. And that’s why many of us love nothing more than a person rooted in their own individual style, such as Sasha Obama - a recent graduate of USC and former President Obama’s youngest daughter.
Famously private and often captured with their famous parents, Sasha and Malia have made a name for themselves on the style streets, respective of each other. The less preppy of the stylish duo, Sasha Obama, is blazing a style run for the president of the earthy girl aesthetic. She’s been a pioneer for Gen Z since 2009 as the first white house resident to be born in the 21st century.
This trend is reminiscent of its 70s counterpart, but the girls are elevating it with a modern twist.
An Earthy Girl in a 21st Century World
@thewomanwhosingsnpaints Who else? #sashaobama #earthyblackgirl #bohofashion
Let’s take a step back and reevaluate what it means to be an earthy girl of the 21st century. This aesthetic relies on other sensory cues than just visual ones; it’s embodied in each of the five senses. It sounds like birds singing a sweet melody on a dewy morning, a soft vocal against an ascending guitar string, or the innocent whisper of ancient trees swishing in the wind. It feels like digging your toes in the fresh white sand, a ray of sunshine on your face during a dark day, or the comfortable cocoon of self-love. It smells of vanilla oils and dimly lit candles in the distance, everything wonderful that Mother Nature has to offer. This aesthetic is more than a trend on an app; it’s a lifestyle, hun.
Although there are strong elements of softness throughout the earthy girl aesthetic, it is as far from quiet luxury as possible. An ode to ease, sensibility, and mother nature are the key components in mastering this trend. Oh, and jewelry. A plethora of mixed metals and succulent gems, to be exact. The more, the better. It’s less seasonal and more intentional, incorporating more textures, prints, and layers than other style genres.
While this often gets confused with “boho chic,” taking a closer glance at the origins of the lifestyle will point out the key differences. Boho chic was founded as a counterculture following the French Revolution, whereas this style stands alone. It’s more concentrated on incorporating certain tones, hues, and fabrics to create a soft but grounded life. This style embraces form-fitting silhouettes as opposed to the key element of boho chic, the lampshade tunic.
If you find yourself wanting to tap into your inner earthy girl this season or simply want to incorporate more earthy elements into your everyday wardrobe, keep reading.
It's Giving Body: Form-Fitting Silhouettes
If the earth girl style aesthetic is nothing else, it’s going to exude sex appeal due to its founding principle of a romance with mother nature.
By reaching for form-fitting fabrics with hints of lace, fringe, or any sort of light texture, one is easily and infinitely closer to mastering this style.
Mid-to-Low Rise Pants
It’s time to retire those high-rise and opt for something with a looser fit, like mid or low-rise trousers. Even though it’s a comeback trend for Gen Z, this is a staple item for a tried and true earthy girl. The lady-like drape of the trousers is a strong element represented in all aspects of the aesthetic.
Maxi-Length
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Floor-sweeping skirts and dresses can be a noticeable way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe. If approached correctly, this length can be sensual and alluring, especially when accompanied by an above-the-knee split or delicate cropped top.
Oversized and Open Layers
For any colder climates, additional layers are needed, but that doesn’t mean the rules are neglected. If denim suffices, opt for an oversized version to accentuate the form-fitting pieces. If you need something warmer, any oversized knitted or wool item would add the cuddliest bow to your perfect outfit.
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Featured image by Barack Obama/Instagram
Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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Feature image screenshot/YouTube